Trey Burke Receives Medley Of College Basketball Awards

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Trey Burke Receives Medley Of College Basketball Awards

By Devin O'Barr

April 5, 2013

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It has been a great year for Michigan Wolverines basketball and an even better one for standout point-guard Trey Burke. The Wolverines have leaned on Burke all season and finally the NCAA has recognized him for his excellence in 2013. This week saw Burke capture the AP Player of the Year award and he was more notably the winner of the storied Wooden Award that represents the best player in the land.

Michigan came into the season in the top 10 and although they appeared to hit a lull in the middle of their grueling Big 10 schedule, the Wolverines have rallied and are now one win away from the National Championship game.

As a sophomore, Burke has gained control of this team like head coach John Beilein had hoped when the season began. While playing with four freshman at a time in some spots, Burke provided leadership to a team that desperately needed.

Victor Oladipo of the Indiana Hoosiers was second to Burke in the Wooden Award voting, but considering that Burke’s team is still playing and Oladipo is at home the decision was not that hard. Oladipo looked to be the frontrunner for the award, however Michigan captivated the NCAA and Burke continued playing at an incredibly high level.

Burke’s next challenge is the Syracuse Orange who run a 2-3 zone that is frightening even the most devout Wolverine faithfuls. If Burke is able to exploit the middle of the Orange’s zone then this game will be over before it starts as the Wolverines are deadly when given open shots. The personal acolades may look good in Burke’s trophy case, but the biggest order of business for this sophomore guard is cutting down the nets in Atlanta.